Damodara: Bound by Mother's Love

Krishna tied by Yashoda's cord

When Krishna steals butter, Yashoda tries to tie Him up. Her rope is always two inches too short - until Krishna allows Himself to be bound. The Supreme Lord, whom the universe cannot contain, submits to a mother's love. He then liberates the cursed Yamala-Arjuna trees.

The Butter Thief

Krishna had become notorious in Gokul. The toddler who could barely walk had developed a remarkable talent for stealing butter. No pot was too high, no storage room too secure. Where there was butter, Krishna would find it.

The gopis came to Yashoda with complaints:

"Your son breaks into our homes when we're away. He steals butter from pots we've hung from the ceiling. If the pots are too high, he piles up wooden mortars and grinding stones to climb. When even that fails, he makes holes in the pots to let the butter drip out. And if there's no butter? He pinches our children and runs away!"

Yashoda listened, half-apologetic, half-amused. How could her beautiful boy be such a thief? He seemed so innocent when she looked at Him, His dark face smeared with butter, His large eyes full of mischief.

But this particular morning, Krishna had gone too far.

The Churning Interrupted

Yashoda was churning butter herself, singing songs about Krishna's divine exploits - songs the villagers had composed after each miraculous escape from demons. Her arms moved rhythmically, the churning rod creating a gentle splashing.

Krishna woke up hungry. Finding His mother busy, He approached the churning pot and grabbed the churning rod, stopping her work. He wanted to be fed. His eyes were tearful, His lips pouting - the eternal Lord of the universe, demanding His mother's attention like any human child.

Yashoda's heart melted. She set aside her work and sat down to nurse Him. Mother and child, an image of perfect peace.

But then she smelled something burning. The milk she had placed on the fire was boiling over. Gently placing Krishna aside, she rushed to save the milk.

The Divine Tantrum

Krishna was furious. His mother had left Him mid-feed to save some milk? His eyes turned red with indignation. His lips quivered. In His small hand, He picked up a stone and struck the churning pot, breaking it. Butter and buttermilk spilled across the floor.